Hey guys. First, I am so impressed by all the knowledge many of you have in here. Here is my dilemna/question. I am going to buy a 4Runner as soon as I sell my Celica and am trying to decide which year/engine I should buy. I had a 95 some years ago and absolutely loved it, and still prefer that body style. However, I am not really a gear head, can do very basic things on my car, but don't really know much about diving into anything with the engine. I have another car that is my daily driver and I am looking to swap from a small car to 4Runner for my extra car.

My uses for the truck will be hauling around fishing rods, reels, and coolers on trips to the marina and back. Occasional trips to a hunting farm which might feature light 4X4 activities on days when the fields are a bit soft. And perhaps down the road, towing a 20ft or so center console fishing boat short distances. Obviously, reliability is a huge concern as I want something I can keep the oil fresh in, keep the filters clean, and not worry about.

Whatever I buy will likely have to have some mileage on it because my budget is 3-6k to get started.

Love to hear your thoughts on which direction I should go with my purchase/trade. If you have any other questions about my usage or that might shape your opinion on which vehicle is good for me, then just ask.

Thanks for all the help.

 

id go with the 96-98 the 2.7L or 3.4L are great engines

 

Yea I agree with Elton, if you have the extra money, go with the 96-98, the 3.4s are amazing.

But i do hate the 3rd gens because all i see are snobby women driving them with automatics and big rims. Get a manual (they make manuals for 3rd gens right?).

Just my $0.02

 

yes they do and if your lucky enough you can get a e locker

 

+1 for a 3rd gen with a 3.4, especially if towing a boat

 

3rd gen, 3.4 v6, E-locker

 

3rd gen w/3.4. Hell, with or without elocker! But, even better if you find one with. I have a 2nd with the 3.0 and that's fine, it'll work. But it does not compare at all to the 3.4.

Oh, and get the 5spd, if you can.

 

I feel the same way about the body style... I much prefer the 2nd gen also. The only problem with them is the engine choice. 22re is hard to find in those, and underpowered. 3.0 is still underpowered, and breaks. The solution is a 3.4 powered 2nd gen haha.. Really if any kind of towing is in the equation, and reliability is key, I have to say 96 and up. Good luck with buying

 

Get the 1996-1998. The 3.4 (or 2.7) is a much better v6 then the 3.0 in the 88-95 trucks.

Should be less to work on. But I like the lines of the 2nd gen bodies much more. The 3rd gens just look a little too....suvish for me..

 

Fixed it for ya

 

Thanks Scooooby